Paramedics called to ‘DWTS’ pro Artem Chigvintsev’s home for ‘medical emergency’ before domestic violence arrest
Paramedics and the fire department were reportedly en route to Artem Chigvintsev’s home before the “Dancing With the Stars” professional dancer’s arrest.
Sources connected to the ongoing investigation told TMZ that a call was made around 8:30 a.m. PT on Thursday, with the unidentified person on the other line reporting a “medical emergency” at the home he shares with his wife, ex-WWE star Nikki Bella.
However, emergency services never arrived at the house because someone called 911 again and reportedly canceled the request. No reason was given to the operator, but insiders shared that paramedics and firefighters turned around and went back to their stations.
Fast-forward more than an hour later, and Chigvintsev was taken into custody.
The Post confirmed the “DWTS” pro was arrested by the Napa County Sheriff’s Department just before 10 a.m. on a felony domestic violence charge falling under a California penal code that “makes it illegal to injure a spouse, cohabitant or fellow parent in an act of domestic violence.” Visible injuries must be present for the suspected crime to be a felony.
His bail was set at $25,000. He since been released.
Chigvintsev’s alleged victim is cooperating with police and has asked for confidentiality in the wake of the high-profile arrest as law enforcement investigates if the dancer has a history of violence with them or anyone else, according to TMZ.
It’s unclear if Nikki was involved in the incident; however, she appeared to be in Napa on Wednesday, posting a photo of herself after a facial treatment at her local spa.
Before his career on “DWTS,” Chigvintsev appeared on the BBC dance show “Strictly Come Dancing.” One of his former dance partners, English TV presenter and author Fern Britton, made troubling accusations against him years ago that resurfaced after his arrest.
“[Artem] would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me,” English TV presenter and author Fern Britton told British newspaper The Times in 2015.
“He was like, ‘Shut your face. Go home before I kill you,’” she continued.
Chigvintsev denied the allegations, telling the Daily Express, “I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am.”
The dancer and Nikki celebrated their second wedding anniversary on Monday.
The ex-WWE Diva gushed over her husband in a tribute post, saying their love story was “meant to be.”
“This song is our love story. I’ll never forget where I was when I asked Jesus about Artem,” she wrote while sharing a reel highlighting their wedding day as Haley Reinhart’s rendition of the Elvis classic, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” played in the background.
“Having a conversation with He & God. How my feelings felt too soon. It all felt too fast. And then this song came on. And that’s when I knew that I was falling in love with him and that it was all meant to be. 🙏🏼✨Happy Anniversary @theartemc I love you! ❤️🔥,” she continued.
Chigvintsev returned the favor, posting several photos from their nuptials on Instagram.
“Happy anniversary my love , can’t see my life with out you. You are my everything,” Chigvintsev wrote alongside wedding photos, leaving his retired WWE wife to respond, “Happy Anniversary Click 🥹❤️🔥💋 Love you so much!”
The pair exchanged vows in a lavish 2022 ceremony in Paris after meeting as partners on “DWTS” in 2017 when Nikki was engaged to WWE star-turned-actor John Cena.
The Bella twin and wrestler called off their engagement in 2018, and she confirmed her relationship with Chigvintsev the following year.
Nikki and Chigvintsev share one child: four-year-old son Matteo.
The Post has reached out to both reps for comment.
